Climbing Kilimanjaro 7 Days Rongai Route

The 7 days Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro by approaching the famous mountain from the north. Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident to hike steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike.

The Rongai route’s premier advantage is that it is one of the quietest routes on the mountain, although it becomes busier when it connects with the Marangu route just before reaching Kibo hut. The route also descends along the Marangu route, however, on this trip, the intrepid climber will retain a sense of wilderness and adventure by sleeping in tents and not using the A-frame huts of the Marangu route.

Scenically, Rongai is extraordinarily beautiful as it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area, although it is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.

HIGHLIGHTS: Climbing Kilimanjaro 7 days Rongai route

✔Take the challenging 7-Day Rongai, the most beautiful and unspoiled route

✔Reach the summit at 5,895M and savor the unique feeling of standing on the roof of Africa

.✔Enjoy thrilling and safe scrambles on the very edge of Africa's highest mountain

✔Explore the welcoming region of Moshi town and enjoy ¨Mbege¨ a local brew beer.

What included

✔2 nights hotel accommodation(before and after climb)

✔Transport to and from Moshi to the trail head.

✔Professional mountain guides/porters

✔Accommodation in mountain tents

✔All Park fees.

✔All Government Taxes

✔All airport transfers.

✔Three meals a day while on the mountain

What Excluded

♦Alcohol Drinks ♦Laundry.

♦International airfares.

♦Climbing gears

♦Entry visas.

♦Travel insurance

♦Airport taxes.

♦Personal Items

♦Tips and gratuities

Optional Activities

♦Safari after climbing

♦Beach Holiday

♦Olduvai Gorge Visit

♦Maasai Boma Visit

♦Chagga Culture Visit

♦Tree top walking

♦Bush Men Visit

♦Night Game Drive

Day 0: Arrive in Tanzania:

You’ll be met by our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Ahadi Lodge. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.

Day 1: Rongai start point (1996m) – Simba Camp (2626m):

Distance: Approximately 6.7 kmHabitat: ForestDepart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful countryside.

The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches.

Day 2: Day 2 Simba Camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m):

Distance: Approximately 11.8 kmHabitat: MoorlandsWe hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo. We'll stop for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch, we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m):

Distance: Approximately 3.7 kmHabitat: MoorlandsA short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp:

Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m):

Distance: Approximately 9 kmHabitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

Day 6: Kibo hut –Uhuru Peak (5895m)–Horombo hut (3705m):

Rise around 11:30 pm, and after some tea and biscuits, shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

From Gillman's Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it! Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut.

After a short rest, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo for overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 7: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m):

Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

After breakfast, you continue your descent (6-hours), passing the Mandara hut and down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.

At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.

You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at the hotel.

Important Information’s To Know:

A deposit of 30% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 45 days prior departure. For any bookings within 45 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking.

♦Children must be accompanied by an adult.

♦We advise to take out Travel Insurance to cover for any unforeseen circumstances.

♦Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.

♦Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.

♦The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.

♦A current valid passport is required at Tanzania airports on the day of travel.

♦You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.